The Holberg 2026 prize was awarded on March 17 2026 to Lyndal Roper, for her innovative research in history. Lyndal Roper is Regius Professor of History at Oxford University. Her field of research is early modern European history, with a particular focus on the Reformation period in the XVIthcentury. His pioneering work on witch trials, peasant revolts and the life and thoughts of Martin Luther has transformed our understanding of the political conflicts and everyday life of the period.
Established by the Norwegian Parliament in 2003, the Holberg Prize takes its name from Ludvig Holberg, the Danish-Norwegian academic and playwright born in Bergen (Norway) in 1684. A professor of metaphysics, logic, Latin rhetoric and history, he revolutionized these disciplines. The Holberg Prize is an international research award worth NOK 6 000 000, or over 600 000 euros. It covers the humanities, social sciences, law and theology.
